Draco Malfoy²

You lay on your bed in your Slytherin room, snuggled up against Pansy's warm side as she animatedly scribbled something on Instagram. The February wind howled outside, but inside it was cozy and quiet.

"Look," Pansy pointed at the screen. "Greta's still trying to prove she's the top pureblood. What a bore."

You chuckled lazily. A potions book lay on your lap, but your thoughts were elsewhere—at the blond head with the perfectly knotted tie.

Draco Malfoy.

You liked him so much, it took your breath away. You'd known him since freshman year—arrogant, prickly, unbearable. But behind the mask, you saw a vulnerable, stubborn man desperately in need of acceptance.

Problem: You weren't the only one.

Astoria Greengrass loved him too. And even though she and Draco were "just friends," she constantly clung to him—straightening his collar, laughing at his jokes, touching his shoulder. He allowed it. He didn't encourage it, but he didn't push it away either. You watched it and felt a tinge of jealousy.

And then there was Theo Nott.

Your best friend, your closest person. He always offered a shoulder to lean on, listened, and kept you company. You knew Theo loved you—more than just a friend. Deeper, more desperately, more hopelessly. His gaze spoke louder than words. He waited for you to see him as more than just a friend. But you couldn't. Your heart was preoccupied with something else.

You sighed and reached for your phone. Pansy posted a photo from the living room: you were laughing with a glass, your hair disheveled, your freckles glowing, your eyes sparkling. "Best night ever with my favorite Slytherin," she captioned it.

You liked it and scrolled further. A photo of Astoria with Draco in the Great Hall—she was sitting way too close. "My favorite nerd 💚." Your heart sank. You closed your eyes.

"What's wrong?" Pansy frowned. "Because of him again?"

• No.

• Yes. How much longer? If he can't see what you are...

“He sees,” you answered quietly. “He just doesn’t want to notice.”

— Tell him yourself.

You wanted to answer, but your phone rang—a friend request.

You opened the notification. Your breath caught.

Draco Malfoy has sent you an application.

• Oh Merlin!